We recently connected with Karna Pettit and have shared our conversation below.

Karna, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

When I was 15 years old, I took a job at the local flower shop not because of the flowers, but because it also doubled as an ice cream shop, and of course, what 15 year old doesn’t want free ice cream. Over the next ten years, I worked on and off at the flower shop. During this time, I learned all about and fell in love with floral design and beyond that I fell in love with the community that I had grown up in. This shop had been a part of Red Wing for 138 years, and had been a cornerstone of the community. It just needed fresh eyes, a few modern updates, and some fun new ideas, and I felt like I had those. The previous shop had an amazing loyal customer base and small-town charm, they contributed to the community and I wanted to continue that by investing in its growth. I started exploring the idea of taking it over as the owners were ready to retire, and after winning a grant through Downtown Red Wing Main Street, my dream quickly—and surprisingly—became a reality. From that moment on, I dove headfirst into it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Founded in 1886, Hallstrom’s Florist & Sweet Shoppe has been an integral part of the Red Wing community for four generations. Throughout those years, they have shown commitment and love for not only our small town, but the people who make it. Building upon this legacy, Riverbend Floral Studio aims to continue the tradition of excellence, offering unparalleled floral services, and fostering connections within our community. We’re dedicated to enhancing the traditional flower shop experience by offering a fresh blend of floral artistry, green plants, home decor, and community engagement.

As a lifelong resident of our cherished small town, my roots run deep. Growing up here, I developed a profound love and appreciation for pretty little Red Wing. Now, as I embark on the journey of entrepreneurship, I am driven to preserve its traditions while ushering in a new era of vibrancy and inclusivity. I have been in the floral industry since 2015, and have worked in several flower shops across southern Minnesota. My experience with flowers, my passion for design, and my love for my home town has led to the start of Riverbend Floral Studio. The brand name comes from my love for this town and the river. Red Wing, Minnesota is located on the biggest bend in the Mississippi AND our floral studio is located just behind where the Jordan River flows underground in downtown Red Wing!

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

For me, taking over the shop was more than just a business decision—it was deeply personal. I had worked there for years, built strong connections with the business and previous owners, and knew the ins and outs of how it operated. But that also made the transition extra difficult. At times, it felt like I was selling a business to myself—negotiating, working through logistics, and managing so much as an employee while also trying to turn it into my own. It was exhausting, and eventually, I had to step away for a few months just to reset.

The previous owners were super old-school—no QuickBooks, no software—so I spent hours flipping through stacks of paper, creating my own spreadsheets just to figure out where the numbers stood. Once I determined the business had the potential to be profitable, I poured months into writing the perfect business plan, applying for grants, and crafting pitches for loans. After countless meetings with banks that led nowhere, I finally walked into a local credit union where they sat down with me, listened to my story, and took a chance on me. As a 25-year-old with minimal funds and collateral, I wasn’t the easiest bet, but they believed in me and worked with me to make it happen.

Those months were emotionally exhausting, and there were plenty of times I wanted to give up. But thanks to an incredible support system that kept pushing me forward, I made it through. And looking back, every challenge was worth it to build something I truly believe in.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

From the start, I was lucky to have a loyal customer base carried over from the old flower shop, people who had been coming there for years and trusted the shop for their floral needs. Beyond that, every new client has come mostly through word of mouth and the time I’ve spent building relationships. I don’t rely on big marketing campaigns; instead, I focused on getting to know my customers, understanding their style, and creating designs that are personal to them. Whether it is remembering a favorite flower, taking the extra time to perfect a wedding vision, or simply having real conversations, those small moments built trust and friendship. That trust turns into referrals, and my business continues to grow naturally, one personal connection at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.riverbendfloralstudio.com
• Instagram: riverbend.floral.studio
• Facebook: Riverbend Floral Studio

Image Credits

Abby Dominguez Photography